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It was labelled as containing all-natural ingredients, such as grapefruit, green tea and pomegranate.
The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) found it contained sibutramine, which is banned as it can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. It also had phenolphthalein, which may cause breathing dif�culties and kidney disorders.
The active ingredient is phentermine, which works by suppressing appetite and increasing metabolism.
Side effects include insomnia, mood swings and heart palpitations. It is prescribed only to those who are overweight or obese for short-term use and consumption must be supervised by a doctor.
Doctors interviewed charge between $40 and $60 per box, excluding consultation fees, but one peddler sold a box online for $250.
The peddler bought each bottle for about $41 and sold it for $65.
It was touted to be “100% herbal”.
HSA found it contained sibutramine.
The peddler bought each box for US$2.45 (S$3.30) but sold it for $50.
It claimed to be ”100% natural”.
HSA found it contained sibutramine and diclofenac,a potent painkiller that may cause serious gastric bleeding, heart attacks and strokes when used for a prolonged period.
The peddler sold it for $40 a bottle. It is not known how much she bought it for.
CONTAINS UNDECLARED TOXIC INGREDIENTS
CAN ONLY BE PRESCRIBED BY DOCTORS
Nutri DropsGrapefruit Diet Duromine
Li Da Dai Dai Huaweight-loss capsule
Figure-Upweight-loss capsule
Source: HSA SUNDAY TIMES GRAPHICS
Illegal sales of slimming pills online
PENALTY• It is an offence to sell medicine prescribed by a doctor or dispensed by a pharmacist to others.
• Those found guilty can be �ned up to $10,000 and/or jailed up to two years.
Members of the public who want to tip the HSA off about the sale of illegal health products can call their enforcement branch at 6866-3485 or e-mail [email protected]
Duromine
